NERD UP! Arcade Takeover - The Event

THIS IS NERD UP! ARCADE TAKEOVER

ONE ARCADE. COUNTLESS WORLDS.

Imagine arriving at an outdoor festival filled with music, artists, vendors, interactive exhibits, collectibles, creative booths, and people celebrating the things they love. From independent businesses and comic creators to gaming enthusiasts and hip-hop artists, there’s something new to discover around every corner.

But that’s only the beginning.

Step inside Dave & Buster’s in Westlake, Ohio, and the experience continues! Explore an arcade packed with games, grab food and drinks, hang out at the bar, and discover even more entertainment throughout the venue.

And we’re taking things a step further.

A dedicated private entertainment space inside Dave & Buster’s will become another major part of the festival, featuring live musical performances and bringing the energy of a concert venue into the heart of the arcade experience.

Outside, a festival. Inside, an arcade and live entertainment destination. All part of one experience.

NERD UP! Arcade Takeover is being built to bring together communities that don’t always share the same stage but have more in common than they might realize. Nerdcore, underground hip-hop, retro gaming, comics, graffiti art, DJ culture, collectibles, independent creators, and everything in between. We’re celebrating the creativity, individuality, and passion that connect these worlds.

And we’re not thinking small.

Our vision is to grow NERD UP! Arcade Takeover into a recurring destination for music fans, gamers, artists, collectors, families, and anyone who’s ever found their people through the things they love.

This isn’t just another concert. It isn’t just another convention. And it definitely isn’t just another day at the arcade.

LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCES

BIG ENERGY. ORIGINAL SOUNDS. NO BOUNDARIES.

From nerdcore and underground hip-hop to DJs, turntablists, and artists who refuse to fit neatly into a genre, NERD UP! Arcade Takeover is bringing together performers who thrive on creativity and originality. Expect sharp lyricism, infectious energy, video game and pop culture influences, and live performances that connect with audiences in ways a playlist never could. We’re celebrating both the artists who have helped build these communities and the independent talent pushing them forward. Whether you’re a lifelong hip-hop head, a nerdcore enthusiast, or someone discovering these sounds for the first time, there’s room for you here.

We will have 2 performance areas on scheduled entertainment!

Outside, among the vendors, cosplayers, art displays, booths and activities we will have a dedicated area for live music and performances! Inside, we will have the main event room for headliners and additional scheduled performances and entertainment.

Lineup and performance announcements coming as plans are finalized.

WANT TO BE PART OF NERD UP!?

We’re welcoming interest from musicians, DJs, and live performers who want to be part of the experience!

Performer submissions opening soon. Stay tuned!

ARTISTS, VENDORS & COLLECTIBLES

DISCOVER IT. COLLECT IT. TAKE IT HOME.

We’re envisioning an outdoor marketplace packed with independent artists, local businesses, comic shops, gaming culture, collectibles, and creative vendors bringing their best to the festival. Dig through comic books, hunt for vintage video games, discover trading cards and TCG treasures, browse original artwork, grab exclusive merchandise, or find that one collectible you’ve been searching for.

We‘re looking to bring together an exciting variety of experiences, including:

+ Comics & Collectibles: Comic shops, graphic novels, action figures, memorabilia, and rare finds.
+ Gaming & TCG: Retro games, tabletop gaming, trading cards, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and more.
+ Artists & Creators: Illustrators, comic artists, custom artwork, handmade creations, and original merchandise.
+ Cosplay & Fan Culture: Cosplayers, costume creators, photo opportunities, and fan communities.
+ Local Businesses: Independent shops, specialty retailers, creative brands, and businesses that share our passion for pop culture.
+ Featured Guests & Experiences: Potential appearances by special guests, creators, industry personalities, and convention-style panelists.

And keep an eye out for exclusive sponsor experiences and special activation areas, where participating brands can bring something extra to the festival through interactive displays, demonstrations, giveaways, and other surprises.

Participating vendors, featured guests, and special experiences will be announced as they’re confirmed.

THE NEXT LEVEL IS LOADING…

We’re building something special! Stay tuned as we announce our official event date, performing artists, featured guests, special activities, and the full festival schedule.

BECOME A SPONSOR

HELP US TAKE OVER THE ARCADE!

We’re bringing music, gaming, art, and nerd culture together for one unforgettable day at Dave & Buster’s in Westlake, Ohio! That’s right. We’re taking over the arcade!

We’re looking for businesses and brands who want to be part of something a little different. From local shops to major brands, let’s make something awesome happen.

Interested in sponsoring NERD UP! Arcade Takeover? Push To Start!

BECOME A VENDOR

GOT SOMETHING COOL? BRING IT!

Comics, collectibles, original art, handmade goods, apparel, and everything in between. We’re looking for independent creators, shops, and vendors who bring something unique to the mix.

Want to be part of the arcade takeover? We’d love to hear from you!

NERD UP! ARCADE TAKEOVER COMMUNITY PRIZE POOL

HELP US KEEP THE GAMES GOING!

Want to support NERD UP! Arcade Takeover without purchasing a sponsorship package or vendor booth? Here’s your chance to get involved!

Our Community Prize Pool helps fund Dave & Buster’s Power Cards that will be awarded to attendees through challenges, trivia contests, games, and giveaways throughout the festival.

Whether you contribute $10, $25, $50, or any amount you choose, your support helps us create more opportunities for attendees to win and have fun.

EVERY CONTRIBUTION COUNTS!

As a thank-you, contributors may have their personal name or business name included in the Community Prize Pool Supporters section of our official printed event map/program.

No sponsorship package or vendor booth purchase required.

Printed recognition is optional and subject to the event program’s artwork deadline. Contributions received after that deadline may not appear in printed materials.